Glasses are not just for vision correction anymore. With all the different frames, colors, and styles available today, glasses have become an important accessory that says a lot about who you are.
How Glasses Can Reflect Your Personality
The type of glasses you choose can be a reflection of your personality. Here are some of the messages your eyeglasses might be sending about you:
- Retro/vintage frames – You have an appreciation for the classics and history. You like nostalgic styles.
- Colorful plastic frames – You have a fun, quirky personality and want your glasses to reflect that.
- Trendy shapes – You like to be fashionable and on top of the latest trends.
- Minimalist metal frames – You prefer simple, clean looks rather than loud, over-the-top styles.
- Bold patterns – You have an energetic, youthful personality and like being noticed.
- Oversized frames – You care more about making a statement than finding the perfect fit.
The shape of your frames also gives clues about you. Round frames convey a friendly, approachable attitude. Angular frames suggest someone intellectual or artistic. Cat-eye and wingtip shapes are associated with feminine confidence.
How Different Frame Colors Reflect You
Along with the style, the color of your frames also helps express who you are:
- Black – You’re sophisticated, elegant, and perhaps a bit mysterious.
- Tortoiseshell – You have classic, timeless taste with an intellectual flair.
- Blue – You’re reliable, trustworthy, and want to convey calm confidence.
- Red – You’re bold and adventurous with high energy.
- White – You have an optimistic spirit and cheerful outlook on life.
- Purple – You’re creative and imaginative with a quirky personality.
So even a simple factor like color can speak volumes about the type of person you are.
Matching Frames to Facial Shape
Beyond just style and color preference, it’s important to choose frames that complement your facial shape:
| Facial Shape | Frame Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Oval | Almost any frame looks good! Try rounded or rectangular frames. |
| Round | Angular frames that add definition. Try rectangles and wayfarers. |
| Square | Rounded frames to soften edges. Try ovals, aviators, and cat-eyes. |
| Heart | Bottom-heavy frames like cat-eyes to complement shape. Avoid small frames. |
| Oblong | Horizontal ovals and wayfarers to contrast long face. Avoid oversized frames. |
Frame width should also complement facial width. Narrow faces look best in narrow frames, while wide frames suit wider faces. The key is keeping everything in balance.
Glasses for Your Profession
Some occupations tend to favor particular styles:
- Creative fields like art, design, and academics can get away with trendier, bolder frames.
- Conservative professions like finance and law tend to stick with traditional metal and plastic frames.
- Health care workers and tradespeople often wear sturdy plastic frames that can take more wear and tear.
- Politicians and public figures usually opt for classic frame styles in darker colors that project confidence.
So if you want your glasses to align with your profession, keep these tendencies in mind. But feel free to break the mold if you want to stand out!
Using Glasses to Convey Age and Maturity
Eyeglasses can also create an impression related to your age and maturity. Some suggestions:
- Young children often wear colorful plastic frames or basic metal styles.
- Teens and young adults have more freedom to experiment with trendy shapes and bold colors.
- Conservative colors like black, brown, silver, and tortoiseshell give a mature vibe.
- Older adults may prefer wire-rimmed bifocals in gold, silver, or black.
So while anyone can wear any style, some frames tend to skew older or younger. Match your glasses to the image you want to project.
Using Glasses to Be Remembered
If you want your glasses to help people remember you, unique frames can make you more recognizable. Some options include:
- A bold color like hot pink, lime green, or electric blue.
- An unusual shape like hexagons, stars, or wings.
- Thick, chunky frames in bright colors or patterns.
- Mismatched frames where each lens has a different color or style.
Just a splash of color or quirky detail can make your glasses instantly memorable. But be wary of crossing over into tacky territory.
Coordinating Your Glasses With Your Wardrobe
You can use your glasses as part of your overall look by coordinating them with your clothing and accessories. Here are some tips:
- Match metals – wear gold frames with gold belt buckles or jewelry.
- Complement outfits – try red frames with a red dress or blue frames with a blue shirt.
- Contrast colors – pair tortoiseshells with gray outfits or black frames with lighter looks.
- Echo patterns – choose frames with stripes, dots, or leopard spots to match prints you wear.
Get creative and have fun styling your glasses as an accent piece for your wardrobe. They can be a signature part of your look.
Investing in Quality Frames
With prescription eyewear, you often get what you pay for. Cheap frames may warp, break, or look flimsy over time. Higher quality materials like titanium, high-index plastic, and cellulose acetate hold up better. Designer brands like Prada, Gucci, and Tom Ford appeal to luxury buyers. But you can find durable, stylish frames for lower prices from brands like Warby Parker and EyeBuyDirect.
No matter your budget, look for sturdy construction with comfortable nose pads, spring hinges that don’t pinch, and lightweight materials that hold their shape. Your optician can help you pick durable frames in your price range.
Caring for Your Frames
To get the most life out of your eyeglasses, take good care of them:
- Use both hands when putting on or taking off frames.
- Clean lenses regularly with proper spray or wipes.
- Store glasses in a hard case when not wearing.
- Avoid dropping frames or bending them.
- Tighten any loose screws as needed.
- Don’t hang glasses from shirts or let them dangle.
With regular care and maintenance, quality frames can last 3-5 years or longer before needing replacement. Be gentle and keep them clean.
Replacing Scratched or Damaged Frames
If your frames become badly scratched, warped, or broken, it’s safest to replace them. Continuing to wear damaged frames that don’t fit right can contribute to headaches or vision problems. Insurance may cover part of the cost of replacement frames if yours are damaged.
Some opticians offer frame warranty programs for a small fee. This covers free repair or replacement if your frames get damaged in the first year or two. Warranties provide peace of mind if you’re hard on glasses.
Changing Frames for a New Look
You don’t need to wait until your current frames are unusable before switching styles. It’s common for people to change frames every couple years just for a new look.
New frames can make old prescription lenses look brand new. Or you may be due for an updated prescription anyway after one or two years. As trends change or your style evolves, refresh your frames to complement your current wardrobe and hairstyle. A new pair of glasses can make you feel like a whole new you!
Conclusion
Eyeglasses today are so much more than just vision correction. With all the options for expressive, stylish frames, your glasses make a statement about the type of person you are. Match your frames to your personality, facial shape, profession, age, and personal style. Use them to reflect the image you want to put forth. And take good care of quality frames so they can become an integral part of your look for years to come. Your eyeglasses say a lot about you – so make sure yours represent your best self.
